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I was wondering if anyone could offer me any advice. I currently live in PA with my husband and we are looking to relocate to FL within the next yr. We have both been there absolutely love it, however we don't know alot about living there and certain towns, school systems, etc. We've done a lot of research online, but theres really only so much you can do on the internet. (Not to mention all the apartment communities look gorgeous but in reality it may not be the case). We would like to live within 30 mins of the coast and from what we see online, we really like the Port Orange area (but are open to any area along the coast that is nice and a safe place to raise children). So if anyone can please help us out that would be greatly appreciated! Also, if anyone can recommend any particular apartment communities, that would be wonderful! Thanks in advance!

I was wondering if anyone could offer me any advice. I currently live in PA with my husband and we are looking to relocate to FL within the next yr. We have both been there absolutely love it, however we don't know alot about living there and certain towns, school systems, etc. We've done a lot of research online, but theres really only so much you can do on the internet. (Not to mention all the apartment communities look gorgeous but in reality it may not be the case). We would like to live within 30 mins of the coast and from what we see online, we really like the Port Orange area (but are open to any area along the coast that is nice and a safe place to raise children). So if anyone can please help us out that would be greatly appreciated! Also, if anyone can recommend any particular apartment communities, that would be wonderful! Thanks in advance!

You are considering making the worst decision of your life if you do not already have a Florida job that pays a livable and secure wage (an extreme scarcity for someone looking to relocate). The best suggestion anyone could give you would be to secure your job first, and then find a place to live. It is a whole lot easier that way than the other way around.

You are considering making the worst decision of your life if you do not already have a Florida job that pays a livable and secure wage (an extreme scarcity for someone looking to relocate). The best suggestion anyone could give you would be to secure your job first, and then find a place to live. It is a whole lot easier that way than the other way around.

Yes, well we aren't stupid. We are currently in the process of looking for jobs. We just want to get some ideas on nice areas to live first and once we find that out and set up some interviews we plan on flying down and going from there.

Yes, well we aren't stupid. We are currently in the process of looking for jobs. We just want to get some ideas on nice areas to live first and once we find that out and set up some interviews we plan on flying down and going from there.

Great advice Retiredcoach: and just to add, PA's economy is in much much better shape than Florida, and even if you had a job lined up , it's quite a different work environment than in PA. I doubt you'll even be able to line up employment in Florida because there are so many FLORIDIANS that need jobs here.

Can you transfer with your current job? Do you have a special skill that is in high demand in Florida? If not you would be better off waiting until this economy gets better. Florida will still be here and it'll still be warm and sunny.

As for nice places, I always liked Ormond Beach and Port Orange but since you need employment you would be best off trying Jacksonville, Fl imho. It'll have more job opportunities and you would still be close to the beach.

I would trade you places in a heartbeat to get back to my homestate of PA. The grass is NOT always greener...................Best of Luck

Great advice Retiredcoach: and just to add, PA's economy is in much much better shape than Florida, and even if you had a job lined up , it's quite a different work environment than in PA. I doubt you'll even be able to line up employment in Florida because there are so many FLORIDIANS that need jobs here.

Can you transfer with your current job? Do you have a special skill that is in high demand in Florida? If not you would be better off waiting until this economy gets better. Florida will still be here and it'll still be warm and sunny.

As for nice places, I always liked Ormond Beach and Port Orange but since you need employment you would be best off trying Jacksonville, Fl imho. It'll have more job opportunities and you would still be close to the beach.

I would trade you places in a heartbeat to get back to my homestate of PA. The grass is NOT always greener...................Best of Luck

Thanks. My husband has been with his company for 14 years and they do water pump and sewage repair. So he wouldn't exactly be able to transfer but his job is something that can be done anywhere. As far as me, I do promotional/marketing work so I have to look a bit harder.

Thanks. My husband has been with his company for 14 years and they do water pump and sewage repair. So he wouldn't exactly be able to transfer but his job is something that can be done anywhere. As far as me, I do promotional/marketing work so I have to look a bit harder.

I am confused as to why anyone would consider moving away from secure jobs to a state with an economy that is in turmoil. Both you and your husband are looking to land opportunities that may not exist in Florida, or if you are lucky to find a position, may not pay you a fraction of what you are now earning. Are you looking to join the many "working poor" or just the unemployed/underemployed of Florida??

They were turning away people at a job fair because so many locals are looking for work, do you think any FL employers will even bother to call someone with an out-of-state resume? If I was a betting man, I would bet that you will not get a single call when you start sending out resumes.

I made the complete opposite move from what you are looking for. I moved from FL to PA, because I got so sick of the lowlife jobs and poverty wages in FL. Dealing with cold and snow is much better than not having a paycheck that covers your bills.

I am confused as to why anyone would consider moving away from secure jobs to a state with an economy that is in turmoil. Both you and your husband are looking to land opportunities that may not exist in Florida, or if you are lucky to find a position, may not pay you a fraction of what you are now earning. Are you looking to join the many "working poor" or just the unemployed/underemployed of Florida??

Those career choices would make it tough in this climate to find work. There not all sectors are down and out though. Retiredcoach, I think your right, at least for a while, they'd be better off staying put.

Hey, how is Pittsburgh doing? I imagine things are kinda tough up there too. It went through its own turmoil that lasted for decades. It was really nice up there the last time I visited though. I like the tram, and Mount Washington - Great View of the rivers and the Stadiums! The Grandview Saloon is a good place to catch a cold one!

Sorry, Christine, I know nothing about the Port Orange area. Hopefully, someone can and will eventually read and answer your questions instead of trying to tell you how to live your life. Not all of us are like that. You might try a City Data search and see if you get some older threads to read through.

Port Orange is a nice area. I live about 45 minutes from there. We, too moved from PA (Poconos) 9 yrs ago and like it here. I can't help you with apartments thoug. You are correct as they all look beautiful ,but you have to be chosy. Maybe put this on one of the other threads, Orlando.

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